Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular canyon that cuts through the Cascade Range and marks the transition between the verdant temperate rainforest to the west and the arid steppes to the east. We were fortunate to spend our entire day here. Today began with a spectacular sunrise lighting up the freshly fallen snow on Mt. Hood as we neared the lock at The Dalles dam. Shortly after breakfast, we set out on our morning’s exploration of the upper Gorge. First, a visit to the exceptional Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, where we saw exhibits detailing both the natural and human history of this region. In honor of the bicentennial of the 1804-06 Lewis and Clark Expedition, there was also a fine exhibit depicting the unbelievable quantity of cargo the Corps of Discovery carried with them. The latter half of the morning was spent driving a section of the scenic Columbia Gorge Historic Highway to arrive at the Rowena Crest Overlook. After snapping photos of the broad river vista below us, many set out on a leg-stretching hike around the Tom McCall Preserve. The remainder of our company opted for some time in the town of Hood River, before we all reconnected at the Sea Lion for lunch.
Traveling just 40 short miles from The Dalles to Cascade Locks, the average annual rainfall increases from 14 to 75 inches! We opted to explore the lush temperate rainforest on this soggy day with a gorgeous hike to Wahclella Falls. Although the trail seemed more challenging than anticipated, the reward was well worth it. After crossing Tanner Creek on several sturdy wooden bridges, we reached this stunning waterfall at the end of a steep walled canyon, reminding many of a Japanese garden.
We returned to the Sea Lion and cast lines, bound for our last lock transit of the voyage, at Bonneville Dam. Although delayed a bit by a tug and barge coming up through the lock, we were still able to see the dramatic 625 ft. Multnomah Falls in the fading light of dusk.
The Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular canyon that cuts through the Cascade Range and marks the transition between the verdant temperate rainforest to the west and the arid steppes to the east. We were fortunate to spend our entire day here. Today began with a spectacular sunrise lighting up the freshly fallen snow on Mt. Hood as we neared the lock at The Dalles dam. Shortly after breakfast, we set out on our morning’s exploration of the upper Gorge. First, a visit to the exceptional Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, where we saw exhibits detailing both the natural and human history of this region. In honor of the bicentennial of the 1804-06 Lewis and Clark Expedition, there was also a fine exhibit depicting the unbelievable quantity of cargo the Corps of Discovery carried with them. The latter half of the morning was spent driving a section of the scenic Columbia Gorge Historic Highway to arrive at the Rowena Crest Overlook. After snapping photos of the broad river vista below us, many set out on a leg-stretching hike around the Tom McCall Preserve. The remainder of our company opted for some time in the town of Hood River, before we all reconnected at the Sea Lion for lunch.
Traveling just 40 short miles from The Dalles to Cascade Locks, the average annual rainfall increases from 14 to 75 inches! We opted to explore the lush temperate rainforest on this soggy day with a gorgeous hike to Wahclella Falls. Although the trail seemed more challenging than anticipated, the reward was well worth it. After crossing Tanner Creek on several sturdy wooden bridges, we reached this stunning waterfall at the end of a steep walled canyon, reminding many of a Japanese garden.
We returned to the Sea Lion and cast lines, bound for our last lock transit of the voyage, at Bonneville Dam. Although delayed a bit by a tug and barge coming up through the lock, we were still able to see the dramatic 625 ft. Multnomah Falls in the fading light of dusk.
